Canadian folk singer-songwriter Cara Luft is preparing to release her new solo album, My Heart Will Always Be, marking her return to solo recording after more than 13 years. The 10-track album is scheduled to arrive on streaming platforms on November 6, 2026, with selected songs and physical copies being made available ahead of the digital release.
Based in Winnipeg, Luft is a well-known figure in Canada’s folk music scene. She has played an important role in the musical journeys of two acclaimed Canadian folk groups, The Wailin’ Jennys and The Small Glories.
Her latest project brings the focus back to her individual artistry, exploring personal transformation, friendship, grief, new beginnings and the connections that shape people’s lives.
Life Changes Inspire a New Musical Chapter
Luft said the album took shape during a period of significant changes in her life. She recently celebrated her 50th birthday, purchased her first home and navigated several personal and professional transitions.
These experiences included receiving an ADHD diagnosis and bringing the nearly decade-long journey of The Small Glories to a close.
The changes influenced her creative process and encouraged her to work with collaborators who offered an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and artistic freedom.
The album features contributions from Liverpool-based musician and producer Scott Poley, British Columbia songwriter Clayton Parsons and Vancouver recording engineer Julia Graff. Together, the team worked on the album’s arrangements, sound and overall musical direction.
Ten Tracks Blend Personal Stories With Folk Traditions
The title track, My Heart Will Always Be, explores self-acceptance and moving forward after grief and emotional uncertainty. The song features layered vocal harmonies and prominent banjo arrangements.
Another track, Find Love, takes a folk-rock approach to themes of connection, love and compassion for others.
Garbage Hill, featuring Canadian musician John K. Samson, known for his association with The Weakerthans, reflects Luft’s connection to Winnipeg. Its title refers to a former city landfill that has since been transformed into a public park.
Other original songs, including Doubt and Belief and Come Undone, explore fresh starts, emotional challenges and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.
Luft also maintains her connection to traditional music with interpretations of The Snows They Melt the Soonest and Lagan Love. The album additionally features a reimagined version of Buddy Holly’s classic Not Fade Away.
Grammy-Winning Banjo Musician Alison Brown Joins the Album
Grammy-winning banjo musician Alison Brown appears on The Banjo Is a Gift, one of the album’s tracks.
The song was inspired by a personal experience in which an audience member offered to give Luft a banjo after a performance. Six banjos were used in the recording, which also serves as a tribute to American musician John Hartford.
Across the album, banjo, guitar, vocal harmonies and traditional folk influences come together to create a sound that draws on Luft’s musical background while introducing new themes and creative approaches.
The album was mixed by Grammy-winning engineer D. James Goodwin. Luft also raised funds for the project with financial support from her fans, allowing her to pursue an independent release on her own terms rather than relying on a traditional record label.
Live Performances Before the Streaming Release
Luft has chosen to make physical copies of the album available at live concerts before its digital release, emphasising the importance of live music and the connection between performers and audiences.
The album is scheduled to become available on streaming platforms on November 6.
To promote the release, Luft is performing in several Canadian cities. Her October schedule includes appearances in Ottawa, Kitchener and Toronto, while November performances are expected in Vancouver and other locations across British Columbia.
In January 2027, she is also scheduled to participate in the Girls Do Boys concert series alongside Helen Austin, Shari Ulrich and Claire Coupland. The series features songs written by male songwriters and performed by female artists.
A New Chapter for Canadian Folk Music
My Heart Will Always Be marks a significant return to solo recording for Luft after an extended break. The album brings together her personal experiences, connection to Canadian culture, love of traditional folk music and collaborations with other musicians.
For longtime fans, the release offers an opportunity to reconnect with Luft’s individual artistry. It may also introduce her music to a new generation of listeners.
With its blend of original songwriting, traditional influences and collaborative performances, the album represents a new chapter in the career of an established Canadian folk musician.
